1988 BMW M5 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 98
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 98 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1955 Oldsmobile 98. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1955 Oldsmobile 98. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1955 Oldsmobile 98. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1955 Oldsmobile 98 | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | M5 | 98 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1728 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3210 mm |
